Friedman Associates Insurance

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from everyone at Friedman Associates!

05/07/2026

8 Reasons To Consider an Umbrella Policy for Your Business!
Call Friedman Associates 757.420.9600

🚨 As a business owner, you need to prepare for the worst. A commercial umbrella policy is insurance for your insurance. When a claim or series of claims hits your business, umbrella coverage can be a lifesaver.

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage for you and your assets if you face a devastating accident or lawsuit.

🔹 Extended liability coverage
Without an umbrella policy, you might be on the hook for legal fees, medical bills and damages that exceed the limits of your current coverage.

For example, say a company truck is responsible for a 10-car pileup on a wet road. The damages total $900,000. You have a commercial auto policy with $300,000 in liability coverage and a commercial umbrella with $1 million in coverage. Your commercial auto policy would pay the first $300,000, and your umbrella would kick in to pay the remaining $600,000.

Umbrella insurance doesn't just increase your coverage; it can also broaden your coverage. For example, if your auto liability policy covers accidents in a specific geographic area, an umbrella policy could expand the coverage territory.

Your commercial umbrella policy may have general liability, commercial auto and workers’ compensation policies under it.

🔹 Scope of coverage
Business insurance policies that commercial umbrella insurance typically broadens include:

✔ Commercial general liability
✔ Commercial auto
✔ Workers’ compensation
✔ Product liability

Note that commercial umbrella insurance only covers claims if you have the appropriate underlying policy to start with; it can't provide brand-new coverage. For example, if you don’t have an existing commercial general liability (CGL) policy, your umbrella insurance won’t cover CGL claims.

Additionally, commercial umbrella insurance commonly excludes certain things, like:

❌ Commercial property insurance
❌ Employee discrimination lawsuits
❌ Errors and omissions (E&O) and professional liability insurance
❌ Claims already covered by underlying policies

🔹 Why you should get umbrella insurance

Here are eight reasons to consider a commercial umbrella policy for your business:

• Your employees are at risk of getting injured on the job.
• Your business is open to the public.
• Your business does work on clients’ property.
• Clients require high coverage limits.
• Employees use their own cars for business.
• It costs less than increasing limits on all policies.
• It may provide discounts on underlying policies.
• It covers gaps in some liability options.

📞 Contact us. We can help you assess your risk exposure. If you think your business is vulnerable, it’s better to be on the safe side than risk shouldering the cost of a heavy lawsuit.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your attorney, doctor, broker or advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Copyright © 2026 Applied Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

04/29/2026

Knowing the Difference Between Term and Whole Life Insurance!

Life insurance can be confusing. We’ve made it easy for you. Learn about the differences and similarities between term and whole life insurance.

03/20/2026

Safeguarding Your Company With Business Income Coverage!

You have insurance coverage for your business equipment and property, but have you thought about what you would do if an unexpected event stopped you from operating? How long would you be closed, and how much income loss might you suffer?

Business income coverage can help safeguard your business in unforeseen circumstances. The following are two scenarios that illustrate how this product protects you.

Scenario 1: Your company is hit by a windstorm
Imagine your company is hit by a violent windstorm. Water seeps through the roof, and you lose electricity. The damage is extensive. The policy you purchased includes a “utility services” endorsement with power supply coverage, so your insurance company pays for your lost inventory, rent and payroll while the power is out.

Your insurance also includes coverage for business income loss during the “period of restoration." Since you had to close your office to repair the damage, your insurance pays. Your policy also includes coverage for “extended business income,” which keeps you afloat for a couple of months while you restore your operations. (Extended business income typically lasts until your business operations return to a level that generates pre-loss business income, or 60 consecutive days after the date of direct physical loss or damage (whichever is sooner).)

Scenario 2: Your business is robbed
Imagine you own a small restaurant and it’s robbed on a Saturday night. The thieves lock employees and customers in a cooler while they empty the cash drawer. The computer that operates the register and customer ordering system is broken. You can’t get a new computer until Monday morning, so your business remains closed until then.

Your policy includes an “open perils business income coverage form (without extra expense)” and “extended business income.” So your insurance company pays for the business income loss for the balance of Saturday night and all day Sunday. However, your business experiences a decrease in business the week after the robbery. Patrons are hesitant and fearful to return. This results in additional lost income, which the insurance company also pays for.

All of the conditions that are typically required to qualify for “covered extended business income” are included in this case. Your business was suspended due to damage to the computer ordering system.

What coverage is important for your business?
Extended business income coverage can be tailored to your business needs, such as your revenue and seasonal income fluctuations. For a more complete understanding of what your policy should include, call us. We can help you find the right business income coverage, giving you peace of mind that the company you've built will be protected if the unexpected happens.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your attorney, doctor, broker or advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Copyright © 2026 Applied Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

03/06/2026

Cyber Bytes: What Happens When You Ask AI a Question?

Ever wondered how AI interacts in a seemingly human way? Learn how AI “reads” your words and comes up with answers.

02/06/2026

🔐 Cyber Bytes: What Is a Zero-Click Attack?

You know not to click on sketchy links and attachments, but what about hacks that invade your device without interacting directly with you?

Zero-click threats are cyberattacks where the criminal gains access to your device without interacting with you, hence the term “zero-click.” The attacks are embedded in multimedia files, videoconferencing sessions, authentication requests, phone calls, or messages sent over social media and messaging applications.

Zero-click threats are common to eavesdropping and spyware.

Eavesdropping versus spyware

Eavesdropping involves gaining unauthorized access to private conversations, most commonly on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices.

Spyware is software that collects information about a person without their knowledge, subsequently passing it to unauthorized entities.

Both attacks appeal to hackers because they provide them with personal information like private conversations and images.

How a zero-click attack works

Crafty hackers find ways into your apps, especially ones without tight security. They sneak their harmful code into an app. Then the app, not knowing any better, carries it to your device. This could happen with something as simple as a missed call notification or a picture.

Once this harmful code is inside, it spreads to different parts of your device. From there, hackers can control your phone. They could turn on your microphone and listen in on conversations or steal the personal information stored on your phone.

These security weak points are like an open backdoor for cybercriminals to walk through. The worst part is it can happen without you doing anything, making it extremely hard to spot.

Zero-click attacks in real life

Hackers recently exploited a cybersecurity flaw that allowed them to inject spyware into Apple devices. All they had to do was send a text message through iMessage.

A similar exploit involved a security flaw in the messaging app WhatsApp. Attackers hid spyware on the data that automatically passed from the app to the device after a missed call. Criminals knew about the automated data exchange and turned it into a vehicle for their bad code.

In both cases, the companies released patches to correct the vulnerability. But there are more code vulnerabilities where those came from.

Why hackers use eavesdropping software or spyware

If the data sells or gains leverage over another person or entity, it’s worthwhile to a cyber attacker. Installing spyware or eavesdropping software to track activities or swipe data is appealing for many reasons, like:

• Identity theft
• Phishing scams
• Exploitation of financial information
• Extortion
• Stalking and harassment
• Corporate espionage
• Sponsored spying

In other words, the driving factor behind each hack varies based on the cyber attacker’s intention or the service they’re providing.

Zero-click threats are complex and sophisticated attacks, highlighting the need for strong preventive measures.

Tips for thwarting zero-click exploits

Most zero-click attacks target phones and the apps they use. Try some of these security strategies to protect your devices against zero-click attacks:

• Update your operating systems regularly. Updates include necessary security patches. These remedy known vulnerabilities that a zero-click threat could exploit.
• Use a reliable cybersecurity suite. Invest in comprehensive security software that detects and removes malicious software on all your devices and phones.
• Restrict unnecessary permissions on your apps. Monitor app permissions and limit their access to your data and device’s functionality. Uninstall apps that require questionable data access.
• Use trusted sources for downloading apps. Only install applications from trusted platforms with rigorous security checks to help avoid malicious apps. Consider apps with end-to-end encryption for another layer of security.
• Reboot your device regularly. Some zero-click attacks are erased when the device reboots. Rebooting your device at least weekly can hinder these attacks. Rebooting won’t prevent reinfection if the attack is from a compromised app, but it will slow it down.
• Disable automatic media downloads. Zero-click attacks use embedded malware in multimedia messages. Turning off automatic file downloads in your messaging apps can minimize threats.
• Monitor device behavior. Significant battery drain and unexpected crashes could be indications of an ongoing attack.
• Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Hackers can exploit these technologies to gain access to your device without interaction.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Use a reputable virtual private network (VPN) instead.
• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication. Protect your device with strong, unique passwords. Use biometric security such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition for added security.
• Check for unknown applications. Periodically scan your device for applications you didn’t download and remove them.
• Enable remote wipe. If your phone is lost or stolen, this function can erase all your data remotely and prevent data theft.
• Encrypt your data. Android and iOS offer encryption options. Encryption means if someone gains access to your phone, they won’t be able to read your data without the encryption key.
• Use caution with QR codes. Only scan codes from trusted sources and preview the links before you visit them.

The stealthiness of zero-click attacks can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic. No method can guarantee 100% security against zero-click threats, or any threat. But having a strategy can significantly lower your risk.

Use a multifaceted approach and control what you can, like updating your device’s operating system, rebooting often and removing sketchy apps. Stay cybersafe out there!

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing financial, medical, or legal advice. You should contact your attorney, doctor, broker, or advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Copyright © 2025 Applied Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

01/30/2026

Be Safe this Weekend! ❄️⛄️

01/20/2026

Workers’ Compensation: Return-to-Work Strategies and Fraud Red Flags🚩

Workers’ compensation benefits continue for as long as an employee is unable to work after a workplace injury. But how do you know when that time ends? What needs to happen to get your employee back to work safely? And what do you do if you suspect fraud?

Discover how to address common employer concerns.

🩺 When a doctor clears the employee for work

The process for ending workers' comp benefits typically requires a physician’s clearance indicating that the employee is fit to return to work. Until this clearance is obtained, the employee can’t return to work and must remain on workers’ compensation.

Once the employee is cleared to work, you’ll need to communicate the details of their role. Ideally, the employee will resume their work duties without restrictions. However, some employees may need to return part time and gradually increase their hours. Others require job accommodations, such as a modified workstation or job duties that meet them where they’re at in their healing process. Each situation is unique and will require flexibility on your part.

🔄 A return-to-work program can smooth the transition

Having a formal return-to-work (RTW) program helps employees and supervisors understand the process. An effective RTW program:

• Streamlines communication among all stakeholders involved in the process
• Establishes procedures for requesting job duty accommodation
• Formalizes training for supervisors and managers on handling RTW situations
• Creates additional job opportunities for employees returning from workers’ compensation leave

🤝 How an RTW advocate can help you and your employees

RTW advocates, or coordinators, play a key role in supporting your employees’ transitions back to work. These individuals can be employees of your company or external vendors. Your workers’ compensation insurance provider may even offer these services to you as part of your contract.

RTW advocates collaborate with you, your employees and medical providers to design a tailored RTW plan. Responsibilities may include:

• Developing a rehabilitation plan in partnership with occupational health providers
• Verifying pain management strategies with the employee’s physician
• Clarifying work duties and responsibilities with supervisors
• Coordinating with all parties to ensure proper clearance is obtained for the employee’s return

With an RTW advocate, you don’t have to be the sole intermediary. You can rely on the RTW advocate’s expertise and guidance to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved. Additionally, employees have a single point of contact for their questions and concerns.

🧩 Light-duty work programs

Light-duty work programs are valuable tools for helping employees reintegrate into the workplace following an injury. These programs allow employees to continue contributing and maintain their skills, even if they are not yet able to perform all the tasks of their regular position.

Types of programs include:

• Light duty: Employees are excused from certain tasks but work their regular schedule.
• Limited duty: Employees work reduced hours but perform their usual job responsibilities.
• Modified duty: Employees receive new tasks to replace those they cannot perform, working their regular schedule.

Keep in mind that these programs are not only for employees who have work-related disabilities. These programs must be made available to all employees considered to have disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

⚠️ Other reasons for ending workers’ comp benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits may be terminated due to:

• Failure to complete required paperwork
• Not following prescribed medical orders
• Refusal to participate in required medical exams
• Written consent to stop receiving benefits
• Acceptance of a legal settlement
• A judge suspending or terminating benefits

Benefits may also be terminated if fraud is committed by the employee, employer, supervisor, attorney or health care provider.

🚩 Watch out for workers’ comp fraud

Unfortunately, not everyone is honest. Injuries can be faked, and accidents can be staged. Workers’ compensation fraud costs everyone and places a burden on employees with legitimate claims.

Warning signs of fraud include:

• No witnesses to the incident
• Injury reported late Friday or early Monday
• Delayed injury reporting
• History of multiple claims
• Refusal of medical tests
• Refusal of modified duty assignments

🔍 If you suspect a false claim

Consult your insurance agent, attorney or benefits adviser before taking action. Many insurance companies offer anonymous fraud hotlines and special investigation units. You can also report suspected fraud to your state Department of Labor.

Investigations may include:

• Reviewing employee and witness statements
• Reinterviewing witnesses
• Examining the incident location
• Identifying inconsistencies or unusual circumstances
• Determining if injuries existed prior to the reported incident
• Surveillance when appropriate
• Independent third-party investigations
• Reviewing all professionals involved in the claim

🤖 AI for detecting workers’ comp fraud

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to detect fraud by analyzing claims data, identifying unusual patterns and monitoring public records or social media for inconsistencies. AI improves the speed and accuracy of investigations while reducing false positives.

✅ Stay vigilant to protect employees

RTW programs help injured employees return to work faster, reduce claim costs and improve morale. While fraud exists, staying vigilant and refining policies helps create a safer, more supportive workplace.

This content is for informational purposes only and not intended as professional, financial, medical or legal advice.

Copyright © 2026 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

01/13/2026

📋 Creating a Business Inventory

Creating a detailed business inventory is nobody’s favorite task, but it’s an important one. In the wake of a theft, fire or natural disaster, it may be too late to reconstruct a full accounting of your assets. This makes it harder for you to recover their full value.

Don’t put it off. Here are some tips for a successful business inventory:

• Make a video of your business property and contents. Use your phone to make a video tour of your property and narrate the contents. Activate the time and date stamp option on your camera when taking videos or photos.

• Include essential replacement items or improvements you've made to the property. (If you lease your space and have custom builds, talk to your broker about adding improvements and betterments coverage. Otherwise, property insurance won’t reimburse you for the cost of the improvements you've made to your leased space.)

• Document everything, including flooring, carpets, window treatments, security systems, the HVAC system, light fixtures, artwork, collectibles, break room appliances, inventory, computer equipment and so forth.

• Keep receipts, appraisals and serial numbers of all expensive property, such as high-end items, collectibles, memorabilia and artwork. (Unique artwork and memorabilia could represent a considerable loss in a disaster, so make sure your policy limits are high enough.)

• Make copies of all contracts, business receipts, vendor information, inventory, business documents, licenses and records for operations.

• Account for the previous year’s business receipts such as expenses, costs basis, business income, payroll, services and other information. This will help you build your case for a business interruption claim if you lose profits. (If you don’t have business interruption insurance, talk to your broker.)

• Include the value of things you have in storage, like seasonal or surplus stock. In the event of a total loss, you’ll want to get reimbursed for those items, too. (If you store inventory off-site, ask your broker about inland marine insurance.)

• Store a copy of your business inventory in the cloud or another off-site location so you can access it anywhere.

• You've already estimated your liability and contents for your current policy, but many business owners reevaluate their coverage after completing their inventories. It’s easy to forget what you have until you complete a walk-through. Inform your broker about any changes to your business operations, like adding online transactions, remote workers or delivery services. This helps ensure you don’t have any gaps in coverage.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your attorney, doctor, broker or advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Copyright © 2025 Applied Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

12/24/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from everyone at Friedman Associates! 🎁
We’ll be closed 12/24–12/26 and back Monday 12/29.
Hope your holidays are merry, bright, and full of cheer!